Developing employability skills in

science using problem-based learning

P rojec t

Derek RaineDirector

i-Science Centre

Sarah SymonsProject Manager

Project LeAP

project.leap@le.ac.uk

University of Leicester

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

What are Project LeAP’s goals?

• to promote a real-world (student-centred) working environment for the undergraduate learning of physics and astronomy

• to emphasise the interrelatedness of different areas of physics• to improve student learning outcomes from laboratory work through

independent learning• to provide a natural environment for the enhancement of professional

skills including group work, IT, and problem-solving skills• to disseminate and encourage the adoption of best practice in PBL in

physics

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

What is PBL?

• Students work in group to solve real-world(-like) problems• Open-ended – no single correct solution• The ‘problem’ requires acquisition of new knowledge,

collaboration (including planning and peer tutoring), decision-making

• Students identify the need to learn content • Problems are complex (requiring an iterative process of

research, application, theorising, and reflecting)

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

Is PBL new to physics?• Used in the medical sciences from the 1960s• Spread to other disciplines – popular in engineering• Beginning to appear in the physical sciences

Is PBL difficult in physics?Physics presents its own challenges:• Laboratory work• Subject areas• What is ‘real world’?

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

How does PBL enhance employability?

• PBL models the work environment• PBL encourages deep learning of content• PBL promotes formation of links between topics• PBL introduces employability skills as a natural by-product

of the learning process• PBL creates lifelong self-directed learners

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

What do students think?

‘practical learning… it really helped me to understand and apply the theory…I understand a lot more’

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

What do students think?

‘we felt we needed preparation for PBL but, actually, PBL was a preparation for now’

- A 3rd year student after two years with PBL

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

What do students think?

‘it gives you something to put on your CV and, given that not many places are doing it, might give you the edge’

Project LeAP: PBL in Physics

What do students think?

‘you have to learn it for yourself, not by preaching…you have to have the experience before you can see how good it is’

LTSN Practice Guide to

Problem-Based Learning in Physics and Astronomy

Launch event Spring 2005

www.le.ac.uk/leapDerek Raine & Sarah Symons

Project LeAP

Problem Based Learning in Physics and Astronomy

What is i-Science?

• Interdisciplinary Science

• New degree (BSc & MSc) programme

• Faculty of Science, University of Leicester

• Eight departments

• Problem-based learning throughout

i-Science Structure

• Modular (2-5 weeks)

• Modules driven by complex problems

• Modules integrate research, theory, scientific method, skills, laboratory work, fieldwork, personal development, choice of specialization

• Support module (also PBL) for Maths, IT...

i-Science students could become

• Teachers• Journalists• Managers• Media researchers• Interdisciplinary science researchers• Advocates for science

Scientifically literate

self-directed learners and thinkers

i-Science and Employability

• Employers of science graduates have clear requirements

• Assessment-driven learning does not translate well to the work-place

• Not all science undergraduates want to go on to research

• Embedding skills in context

Reactions to i-Science

I welcome the opportunities the new course will provide….I am pleased to see that you are working with industry.

Alan Johnson MP, DfES

..a most important development in Higher Education Science Teaching.

Professor Lord Winston

…interesting and exciting innovation.Professor John Enderby, V-P Royal

Society

This is a development that many employers will welcome.Cedric Brown (ex CEO British Gas)